You’ll never miss the meat in this hearty supper that’s ready in an hour. Two kinds of beans pack in protein, and the secret ingredients (chocolate chips and chipotle peppers) add richness and smoke. Top with tortilla strips, and serve fresh fruit for dessert.

Our south-of-the-border twist on lasagna is easier than uno, dos, tres. Mix frozen corn and grated cheese with yesterday’s chili, then layer in a baking dish with tortillas and bottled green salsa. We even dreamed up a clever second life for the fruit compote: Freeze it with Greek yogurt in muffin cups for a sweet and icy treat.

Time-saver: To save the enchilada project for another week, freeze the chili alongside the fruit cups. (For a really easy meal, just defrost, reheat and eat the chili again!)

White wine-based marinade infuses garlic- and fennel-studded pork loin with big flavor. While it roasts, make your favorite mashed potatoes and stir up the batter for pimiento-flecked corn bread muffins. (They start with boxed mix.) When the pork comes out, turn up the oven and slide in the muffins. As they bake, prepare an herby wine sauce, steam some broccoli and, finally, slice the roast. Dinner is served.

In just 30 minutes, turn Meal 1's hearty roast into a light, Asian-inspired salad. Toss sliced pork with bottled ginger-sesame dressing, then serve over salad greens and cucumber with croutons made from last night’s corn muffins. Genius!

Time-saver: Trade the cucumber for broccoli. When you prepare Meal 1, pull a few florets out of the steamer before they fully cook, rinse with cold water, then store for your salad.

Yesterday’s Mediterranean-inspired roast chicken takes a turn for New Orleans and finds new life as a quick chicken gumbo. Simmer chopped leftover chicken with frozen veggies and pantry staples. Serve over reheated rice alongside crusty French bread for soaking up the spicy red sauce.